MARANG – Fatin Nabilah Huda Ismail’s wedding reception scheduled for today will proceed as planned despite the groom’s absence, as guests have been arriving since 10am.
Her father, Ismail Awang, 61, said his daughter, 27, was scheduled to marry Naim Hariri Kamaruddin, 31, at 10am today at the Kg Surau Haji Mat Zin mosque in Bukit Payung, with food to be served from noon to 4pm.
“However, the special moment was not to be as the groom, Naim Hariri, is feared to have drowned while swimming at Pantai Kelulut late yesterday afternoon. My family and I can only accept what has happened as fate.
“The guests have also expressed their condolences over this unexpected incident. Their presence has given us strength to face this test,” he told reporters today.
Ismail and his family appeared calm while attending to guests, who came to express sympathy upon learning about the suspected drowning incident.
All preparations, such as the bridal dais and gifts, have been beautifully decorated – even the wedding feast complied with the standard operating procedures set by the government to prevent the spread of Covid-19.
Ismail said according to the plan, after the wedding ceremony today, a similar one will be hosted by the groom’s family in Kuala Lumpur on January 9.
“I had the opportunity to meet Naim Hariri when he came here to see the final preparations yesterday morning. I did not expect this (tragedy) to happen.
“We are deeply saddened as it happened just a day before the wedding ceremony. I hope my daughter will stay strong and hopefully the groom could be found as soon as possible,” he said.
As at 10am today, the search and rescue team has yet to find Naim Hariri. – Bernama, December 26, 2020
